Overview & Reviews

Before Saturn was forced to call it a career after the 2009 GM bankruptcy affair, the Saturn Vue was one of the company's more endearing products. The Vue debuted in 2002 as GM's first home-grown entry in the car-based small-SUV segment, it recorded solid sales but not much critical acclaim. To compensate for the latter, Saturn made steady improvements and expanded the Vue's model lineup with the high-performance Red Line and hybrid Green Line variants. Though still not as polished as other top compact SUVs, the first-generation Vue remained attractive because of its low price and Saturn's famed no-hassle buying experience.

Introduced for 2008, the second-generation Saturn Vue improved upon the original's formula in many areas. This Vue shared much of its basic structure with the Antara, a small SUV produced by Opel, GM's Germany-based European division. While we usually roll our eyes at so-called badge engineering, this was one instance where we were flag-waving fans. The second-generation Vue was a remarkable improvement over its forebear, looking and feeling like a European-designed car that just happened to have Saturn badges.

However, Saturn's departure from the scene changes our view of the Vue. Given the first-generation Vue's spotty reliability record and the second-generation's European parts sourcing, we'd advise steering clear of used Vues unless you find an outstanding deal that leaves room for expected maintenance costs.

Most Recent Saturn Vue

The second-generation Saturn Vue was produced from 2008-'09. Compared to the earlier Vue, it was very similar in size, with a nearly identical wheelbase and marginally greater width and height. However, its exterior was constructed of steel body panels. Although the old Vue's plastic ones prevented unsightly dings, they also looked cheap and created huge panel gaps. The second-generation Vue's interior was also higher in quality with improved ergonomics.

The five-passenger compact Vue crossover was available in three trim levels: base XE, midgrade XR and sporty Red Line. A 2.4-liter inline-4 that produced 164 horsepower and 160 pound-feet of torque was standard on the XE and for '09, on the XR. It was connected to a four-speed automatic. An optional 3.5-liter V6 was available on the XE, and it sent 215 hp and 220 lb-ft through a six-speed automatic. A 3.6-liter V6 (also matched to a six-speed auto) that generated 257 hp and 248 lb-ft was standard on the XR for '08 and optional for '09. The Red Line was available only with the 3.6-liter V6. A manual-shift feature for the automatic transmission was standard on the Red Line and optional on the XR. Front- or all-wheel drive was available on each trim.

When compared to other compact SUVs, the Vue was on the small side, with only 56 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, almost 20 cubes less than some of its key competitors. Passenger space was good, however, with a reclining rear seat that offered decent legroom. Front seat comfort was good as well, although some found the bottom cushions a little short and the seats in general lacking lateral and lumbar support.

In reviews of the front-drive Saturn Vue XR, we found it to be a real competitor in the rapidly expanding compact-SUV market. Although others offered more space or a more entertaining driving experience, the Vue made up for it with European-inspired styling, a well-built and attractive cabin, composed handling and respectably strong engine choices.

Past Saturn Vue Models

The first-generation Saturn Vue was produced from 2002-'07 with plastic body panels (the second-generation has steel) and no specific trim levels. Though this Vue's interior was always second-rate, it was notably improved for the 2006 model year; models built previously were even more deficient in terms of interior materials quality and ergonomics. One should also note that Saturn offered a continuously variable transmission (CVT) from the 2002-'05 model years. Fitted to the 143-hp 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine, the CVT provided improved fuel mileage compared to the five-speed automatic. But long-term reliability was apparently an issue and Saturn discontinued it. It was replaced by a five-speed automatic as the optional transmission, while a five-speed manual remained standard equipment.

Finally, Vues built through the 2004 model year had a 181-hp, 3.0-liter V6 instead of the later Honda-engineered 3.5-liter V6 that was more refined and powerful with 250 hp. With this bigger engine came a few more features, including the option of all-wheel drive and the "Red Line" performance package.

In reviews, the first-generation Saturn Vue earned favorable commentary for its strong 3.5-liter V6 engine, roomy cabin, comfortable ride and dent-resistant plastic body panels. Noted downsides included below-average build quality, low-grade interior materials, vague steering and weak performance from the base four-cylinder engine.

User Reviews:

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  SATURN VUE - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By J DEWITT - June 21 - 9:26 pm

  Its great. I love the plastic panels that make up the exterior doors and quarter panel - they dont ding nor rust. As far as performance and fuel econmy, youll be hard pressed to find anything else. The Chevy Equinox uses the same platform, but does not handle or perform like the VUE. 250 HP MOTOR.

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  Best buy for the money - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Chris1111 - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I had my choice of any vehicle out there. For the money there isnt a better value. Obviously you cant expect German engineering for under 20,000 but what you can expect is American quality and reliability with paramount service. Very fun to drive and the looks are both unique and stylish. I love it. And put snow tires on it and it cant be stopped.

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  Vue Just OK - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By HeatherD - June 16 - 10:00 am

  We bought the Vue in December of 2002- wanted a small SUV, one that wasnt too costly. 2 weeks after we bought it, we had trouble with the VTI transmission and had to take it back for a "software upgrade." 4 months after wed had it, it was leaking something, (no the air conditioner was not on) and was told if I have my DEFROST on it leaks, too- I have NEVER had any vehicle do that! All in all- not too impressed with the VUE

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  Absolutely Horrible - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Jeb - June 14 - 10:00 am

  We bought ours used at 80,000 miles. The transmission blew at 88,000 miles. After a long fight with Saturn I got them to cover half of the $5000.00 repair. The transmission just blew again....lasted 100,000 miles this time. We did not get any benefit from the class action lawsuit that Saturn settled because our mileage exceeded the settlement, but basically the settlement claims Saturn knew that they were producing bad transmissions that blow around 80000 miles. They of course deny it. I also replaced multiple ball bearings. Horrible. Cheap. Worthless.

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  AWD Saturn 6 - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By James 121 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I traded my 94 Jeep Grand Cherokee for the Saturn. I also have an 02 Suburban so you see I am an SUV person. The sale incentive was great. 1750 rebate plus 0% financing. Dealship was great. Car drives and runs well. Some wind noise. Seats and interior in general needs a little upgrade. Vehicle is roomy for 4. Took it out on long drive (200 miles) and was comfortable. All in all very satisfied.

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  Pauls Review - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Paul - June 10 - 5:00 pm

  Owned for 2 yrs, purchased as demo with 9000 miles. The AWD 4 cyl is underpowered, mpg approx 22. Engine strains to maintain speed with cruise control. Car is noisy and has intermittent rattle under rear, warranty replacement of rear drive modules solved problem for a few thousand miles - but rattle is back and dealer can not find cause. Do not like blind spots due to front A pillars. Overall, the car dirves fairly well and has good room for family of four. Luggage carrier on top is easily handeled. Instrument cluster is nicely arranged but climate control buttons are too small. Now have 46,000 miles on car, not sure if VTI transmission will hold up over the long run.

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  Best Car Ever - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By I Love this car!!! - June 8 - 11:06 am

  This is my second Saturn and I love the Vue. The new 08 shape is great. The drive is very smooth and until someone comes with something better (which I doubt) I will continue to purchase the Saturn Vues. This is a must buy for anyone who wants a small truck but not pay the high gas prices.

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  Never again - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Millner - June 6 - 8:56 am

  Will never buy this SUV again. I have owned several good quality automobiles, but the Saturn Vue turned out to be the nightmare of my life. Transmission has failed for the fourth time since I purchased this vehicle. Repairing it has not been helpful. This is the third winter I am riding the bus to work and still paying a note on this vehicle. The cost of the transmission is more than the vehicle is worth at this point and it seems like a bad investment anyway to pay that much for a transmission that has not been designed to hold up.

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  Saturn VUE stability in question - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By petnurse - June 4 - 8:33 pm

  Ive owned my Saturn VUE for 5 almost 6 years. I have had issues with stability on the highway on windy days and with potholes or uneven freeways. It almost rolled over once and that was very scary. Im not a speedy driver either. I took it in and they adjusted the alignment and it helped somewhat but Ive been scared to drive it ever since. Ive also had issues with air conditioning fluid leaking onto my feet from the console. Have reported this several, several times and nothing was done about it. The tires are not good in the snow.

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  Love the Vue - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Lynn - June 2 - 10:50 am

  Ive had my Vue for over a year and am still totally in love with it, and I drive a lot! Ive taken it on many road trips from Florida to Canada and lots of places in between. I travel from VA to TN quite a bit and love the power that I have climbing through the mountains and it seemingly doesnt sacrifice much on gas mileage to do so. My most recent trip took me from central Va, to Central Tn to August, Ga and then back to VA again. Lots of mountanous terrain and I got about 25 miles to the gallon on the whole trip. There is plenty of space and its a comfortable ride. Love the back as well and the handy compartments for storing things. Would absolutely buy it again.